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The Arc of Howard County offers a wide range of services for people with intellectual and development disabilities and their families. The Arc provides direct support and services that enable people to lead full rich lives in the community.Full Community Life At The Arc of Howard CountyWe work every day to help children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities enjoy full community life—just like everyone else. That includes being listened to; knowing your choices will be honored; spending significant portions of your day with the people you choose in the places you choose; and working at a job that is challenging and rewarding.As the county grows; so does the need for The Arc’s services. It is estimated that one family out of 10 in America will be directly affected by developmental disabilities. And since our clients never outgrow our services; they are with us for life; from newborns to senior citizens.Services From One Person To Another During the past 45 years; The Arc has grown from a small group of parents to one of the county’s largest employers. Today; we will touch the lives of more than 2;000 individuals and we have more than 300 associates and hundreds of volunteers.

ProgramsThe Arc Maryland offers family and self advocacy leadership programs; training on rights and best practices in the field of developmental disabilities; quality of life surveys; and scholarships for people with disabilities. We provide statewide advocacy leadership at the Maryland General Assembly on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Community Awareness and Outreach SupportHelping our communities become better by including people with developmental and intellectual disabilities through our Achieve with Us campaign targeting community; the Together We’re Better Inclusive Education Awareness Campaign and Poster Contest reaching Maryland State Elementary Schools; and through Special Events. The Arc also educates the greater community on best practices and issues that impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. For more information; please contact Teresa Herbert at therbert@thearcmd.org Community Integration ProgramThe Community Integration Program provides funds to support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in activities that will increase their participation in the life of their community. Funding is provided through the generosity of the Maryland Knights of Columbus. For more information; please contact Teresa Herbert at therbert@thearcmd.orgGovernmental Affairs and Public Policy AdvocacyThe Arc Maryland leads grassroots advocacy with families and persons with developmental disabilities at the state legislature and in state policy. Action Alerts networks keep members informed about state and federal policy and legislative action. For more information please contact Kate Fialkowski at kfialkowski@thearcmd.org People On The Go of MarylandPeople On the Go is a statewide self-advocacy group supported by The Arc Maryland. People on the Go's Self Advocacy Network has regional peer advocates available. For my information; please contact Ken Capone at ken@pogmd.org Personal SPACE Gender Violence Prevention ProjectWomen with developmental disabilities are at greater risk for abuse and violence. The Arc Maryland; in partnership with The Arc of Southern Maryland and The Arc of the United States; developed a gender violence prevention curriculum for women with developmental disabilities. To receive a copy or for more information; please contact Beth Munro at bmunro@thearcmd.org Waiting List CampaignMore than 19;000 children and adults are awaiting services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration. In 1999; The Arc Maryland led the successful "Key of Our Own: Waiting List Campaign" that resulted in the Governor's $116 million Five-Year Waiting List Initiative benefiting over 8;000 children and adults and their families. That Initiative has ended and no new funds have been provided. Waiting List families have joined together; through The Arc Maryland; to activate the Waiting List Campaign. For more information and to join; please contact The Arc at info@thearcmd.org

Family and Individual Support Services (FISS) provide a continuum of services to individuals and their families including case management and resource identification and development to 425 families. The FISS coordinators support families with children in advocacy for educational or medical needs; parent education and training; as well as resource information and referral. Case Managers support individuals and their families through the transition from school to adult services. Resources for adults include the development of individualized plans; helping people manage their benefits and housing and accessing community resources.

Since 1975; The Arc of Southern Maryland has supported individuals with different abilities; as well as their families.The Arc of Southern Maryland is the leading advocate for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living and working in Southern Maryland. We strive to help people we support to reach their individual goals and expand their horizons.Autism Waiver ServicesThe Arc of Southern Maryland offers Intensive Individualized Support Services through the Autism Waiver which:- Includes individualized treatment plans- Implements goal-oriented and task-oriented intervention strategies- Provides the individual with behavior management skills- Improves self-sufficiency and positive self-expression- And more